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Hurricane Harvey took out a number of OIL REFINERIES. One problem was FLOODING. This meant that backup equipment would not function because of flooding. Another concern is that of a refinery explosion such as has occurred in the past (Texas City - 1947 and 2005, Carson - 1985 and 2016). In such explosions surrounding areas might cause injuries and damage to surrounding property. Another concern is terrorism. Possible simple fix? Same used for Mississippi River. The force of water is extremely powerful. So how is it controlled - earthern levees and other works. Probably the minimum height for refineries might...

Two explosions have occurred at a chemical plant outside of Houston, hours after a spokesman warned a gas explosion was imminent. The explosions came after The Arkema Inc plant in Crosby, Texas, lost power and its backup generators amid Harvey's days-long deluge, leaving it without refrigeration for chemicals that become volatile as the temperature rises. Just after 2am local time, the Harris County Emergency Operations Center reported explosions at the plant and black smoke rising from the facility. The Harrison County Sheriff's Office said that at least one officer had been taken to the hospital after inhaling fumes following the...

The Harris County Emergency Operations Center reported explosions and black smoke coming from the Arkema chemical plant in Crosby early Thursday, the company said. Arkema said Harris County officials notified the company about the explosions around 2 a.m. Thursday, adding that residents may hear additional explosions because the product is stored in multiple locations within the plant, which is 25 miles NE of downtown Houston. Nearby residents should stay inside, turn off their air conditioning and close their windows and doors. "You shouldn't be here, but if you haven't left, shelter in place," Arkema spokesman Jeff Carr said. The company...

A chemical plant near the flooded city of Houston is expected to explode or catch fire in the coming days. During heavy rainfall from Hurricane Harvey, the Arkema plant at Crosby lost refrigeration of chemical compounds which need to be kept cool, and there is no way to prevent a possible fire, the company said. ...The Arkema chemical plant shut down its production on Friday, before the storm made landfall. But 40in (102cm) of rainfall in the area flooded the site and cut off its power, the company said in a statement. Backup generators were also flooded. The facility manufactures...